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In this podcast, Santiago Eximeno and Alicia L. Alonso talk about Alicia is in the Basement, translating Spanish fiction into English, horror board games, and much more. [3:40] Conversation start/early life lessons and influences. [8:35] The first story Santiago wrote. [11:45] The moment Santiago knew he wanted to do this professionally. [13:10] Board games. [14:45] Writing routine. [16:40] Alicia and Santiago meeting and collaborating together. [19:00] Alicia is in the Basement premise. [27:15] Alicia’s experience translating Alicia is in the Basement. [30:50] Working with Tenebrous Press. [35:05] He Who Does Not Speak with Children and Spanish folklore. [37:30] Kev Harrison, via Patreon, asks about pushback from publishers. [43:40] Humour in Alicia is in the Basement. [50:45] Reaction to work in Spain. [59:55] Are there any limits to what Santiago will write about. [1:01:20] Knowing what form each story will take. [1:04:20] Lessons learnt from writing Alicia. [1:11:40] Where can our listeners connect with you? [1:14:00] Final thoughts. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-683-santiago-eximeno-and-alicia-l-alonso-on-alicia-is-in-the-basement-translating-spanish-fiction-into-english-and-horror-board-games Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Marcus Kliewer talks about Please Remain Seated, his writing setup, audiobook horror, and much more. [3:05] Conversation start/how Please Remain Seated became an audiobook collection. [10:30] Connection between Kliewer’s stories and recurring tropes. [20:45] Writing Please Remain Seated and managing projects. [30:50] Please Remain Seated title story and liminal spaces. [48:30] Backroads. [56:55] Anomaly. [1:06:25] Forthcoming books. [1:10:20] Writing setup and productivity. [1:31:20] Advice to eighteen year old self. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-682-marcus-kliewer-on-please-remain-seated-writing-setup-and-audiobook-horror Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Marcus Kliewer talks about The Caretaker, We Used to Live Here, The Old House Archive, and much more. [2:55] We Used To Live Here publishing and film rights journey. [7:30] Literary agent. [13:50] Expanding the We Used To Live Here short story into a novel. [18:10] The found documents within the story and liminal spaces. [27:00] Uncanny horror. [38:35] Lydia Peever, via Patreon, asks about Marcus’s decision to set stories in the USA. [45:30] The puzzles in books like The Caretaker. [49:25] The Old House Archives. [51:20] Writing routine and a typical day. [57:00] Writing full-time and guarding against isolation. [1:00:35] ADHD in personal and creative life. [1:04:35] Lessons learnt writing out screenplays. [1:11:15] Connect with Marcus and final thoughts. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-681-marcus-kliewer-on-the-caretaker-we-used-to-live-here-and-the-old-house-archive Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Marcus Kliewer talks about writing horror Stories for Reddit, stop motion animation, the story behind We Used to Live Here, and much more. [3:10] Conversation start/life lessons growing up. [13:30] First horror movie watched. [18:25] Watching Saw. [20:05] Horror fiction and Christian horror fiction. [24:55] First story wrote. [29:35] Stop motion animation. [38:40] Writing horror stories for Reddit. [52:15] We Used To Live Here. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-680-marcus-kliewer-on-writing-horror-stories-for-reddit-stop-motion-animation-and-the-story-behind-we-used-to-live-here Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Max Doty talks about The House That Eats the Dead, Reddit horror stories, writing lessons from video games, and much more. [3:30] Early life lessons growing up. [5:00] Early horror movie watching experiences. [5:55] First stories written. [13:00] Almost Kings. [14:00] Creative writing lessons. [27:10] The House That Eats the Dead genesis. [29:30] Pacing and growing tension. [31:00] What would Max do if he owned the house that eats the dead. [36:45] The writing process. [47:40] Writing on Reddit and getting a literary agent. [54:40] How many drafts did the book go through before submitting to a publisher. [1:01:50] Writing routine. [1:08:10] Lessons from screenwriting and video games that can be applied to writing for the page. [1:14:50] Leaving the video games industry. [1:17:15] The pandemic and unexpected challenges. [1:22:45] Best and worst writing advice. [1:33:50] Advice to eighteen-year-old self. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-679-max-doty-on-the-house-that-eats-the-dead-reddit-horror-stories-and-writing-lessons-from-video-games Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Ryan Lowell talks about Freight, dialogue-heavy fiction, his writing routine, and much more. [3:20] Conversation start/the elevator pitch for Freight. [8:40] Planning and writing Freight. [10:45] Pros and cons of writing dialogue-heavy fiction. [18:40] Movie references and influences. [30:00] The influence and inspiration from philosophy and psychology. [36:50] Literary agent. [40:00] The word count of Freight and if it being a short novel impacted publication or shopping the novel. [54:20] Writing routine. [1:04:45] Connect with Ryan. [1:05:35] Final thoughts. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-678-ryan-lowell-on-freight-dialogue-heavy-fiction-and-writing-routine Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Ryan Lowell talks about trucking, early writing experiences, George V. Higgins, and much more. [3:05] Conversation start/early life lessons growing up. [6:40] When Ryan started writing. [9:50] Early experiences with films and books. [12:20] Parents’ reaction to sporting and creative aspirations. [17:15] The impact of 1984 and The Power of Now. [24:20] George V. Higgins. [26:25] Bucksport. [31:05] Parenting. [34:30] The first story Ryan wrote. [41:05] Getting into the trucking industry. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-677-ryan-lowell-on-trucking-early-writing-experiences-and-george-v-higgins Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Michael David Wilson talks about The Girl in the Video, Gaijin J-Horror, horror set in Japan, and much more. With special guests Dan Howarth and David Moody. [2:35] Conversation start/Michael’s first experience with The Girl in the Video story. [7:15] Setting stories in Japan. [10:45] One Story Per Week Writing Challenge and Writing More Seriously. [18:10] Alternating between writing stories set in the UK and Japan/where is home? [29:25] Reissuing The Girl in the Video and reflecting on the story six years after initial publication. [50:05] Adding value and bonuses for readers. [57:25] What Michael’s high standards mean for the second edition of The Girl in the Video and books in general. [1:07:30] Being authentic and refusing to be inauthentic. [1:09:40] The impact of social media, AI, and the digital age and the relevance of The Girl in the Video today. [1:17:10] How Michael and his writing has changed since he first wrote The Girl in the Video. [1:25:30] Projecting confidence, turning 40, and mini life crises. [1:39:35] Don’t chase trends. [1:49:45] Words of wisdom to leave listeners with about writing and Michael’s writing journey. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-676-michael-david-wilson-on-the-girl-in-the-video-gaijin-j-horror-and-horror-set-in-japan Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Raphael Montes talks about The Secret Dinner, the Seagull Soup Riddle, writing about taboo topics , and much more. [4:10] Conversation start/early life lessons. [8:55] The films and books Raphael was consuming from an early age. [13:30] Writing stories that don’t fit into an easy genre box. [17:00] Planning The Secret Dinner.　 [21:35] Dark comedy. [26:30] The seagull soup riddle. [29:30] The real-life Piglet. [34:40] The Secret Dinner in conversation with Chuck Palahniuk. [45:15] Our generation’s search for meaning. [49:20] Brazil’s reaction to The Secret Dinner. [53:35] Are any taboo topics off limits for Raphael? [59:25] Horror chose me. [1:03:45] Vegan reaction. [1:08:35] Religion’s effect on Raphael’s life and presence in Brazil and the book. [1:13:40] Connect with Raphael and final thoughts. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-675-raphael-montes-on-the-secret-dinner Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Richard Jerram talks about lessons learnt writing The Makoto Murders, his writing routine, what defines success, and much more. [2:50] The Makoto Murders and its journey with Titan Books. [11:15] Richard’s writing routine. [16:20] Writing to music or silence. [23:20] What defines success? [33:50] Making protagonist, Ken Kato, half British/half Japanese. [45:00] Ken’s obsession with Makoto and the realities of stalking in Japan. [55:00] Lessons learnt writing The Makoto Murders. [1:01:30] Advice to eighteen-year-old self. [1:03:50] Connect with Richard. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-674-richard-jerram-on-lessons-learnt-writing-the-makoto-murders-writing-routine-and-what-defines-success Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, Richard Jerram talks about The Makoto Murders, living in Tokyo, Japan, winning the Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger Award, and much more. [3:15] Early life lessons growing up. [6:00] The best and worst things about taking a creative writing MA. [10:15] Retirement from work as an economist and decision to pursue writing fiction. [11:45] Arriving in Tokyo, Japan in 1987. [14:55] The Makoto Murders launch event. [17:25] The Makoto Murders elevator pitch. [20:20] Writing a novel with a sociopathic protagonist. [28:15] Japan setting. [29:35] Planning and writing process for The Makoto Murders. [34:55] Workshopping two endings. [37:10] Including specific details to Japan. [38:50] Next books and projects. [43:55] Advantages and disadvantages of living in Japan, Singapore, and London. [45:30] Becoming fluent in Japanese. [49:10] Life and art imitating one another: winning the Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger Award. [54:00] Landing a literary agent. [58:10] Film and TV rights. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-673-richard-jerram-on-the-makoto-murders-living-in-tokyo-japan-and-winning-the-crime-writers-associations-debut-dagger-award Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, E. L. Chen talks about Slasher Summer, slasher movies, the best writing advice she’s ever heard, and much more. [4:25] Slasher Summer elevator pitch. [6:25] First experiences with slasher movies. [11:30] Watching A Nightmare on Elm Street. [16:35] Lessons taken from other slasher stories within horror fiction. [18:55] Planning process. [24:30] The cabin backstory. [26:20] Editorial input. [31:40] Slasher references. [38:00] Favourite slasher. [40:30] Lessons learnt writing Slasher Summer. [44:50] One Of Us Is Already Dead. [54:20] Best and worst writing advice. [1:00:15] Advice to eighteen-year-old self. [1:03:10] Something that frightens Elaine. [1:07:00] Connect with E. L. Chen. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-672-e-l-chen-on-slasher-summer-slasher-movies-and-best-writing-advice Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, E. L. Chen talks about Sweetside Motel, writing routine, inverting gothic novel expectations, and much more. [3:15] Conversation start/early life lessons. [10:00] Identity, stereotypes, and rebellion. [13:40] First experiences with story/writing in YA, Fantasy, and Horror. [18:30] Authenticity and writing for yourself first. [21:05] Writing routine and time management. [23:30] Drafting, revising, and working in numerous environments. [28:40] Website origins and web design career. [31:15] Book releases and publishing timelines. [34:10] Book promotion and contracts. [35:30] Literary agent journey and querying strategy. [44:55] Sweetside Motel and writing during and about the pandemic. [47:30] COVID consistency in book. [50:25] Inverting gothic novel expectations and locations. [53:45] Chinese-Canadian misconceptions and trip to Hong Kong. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-671-e-l-chen-on-sweetside-motel-writing-routine-and-inverting-gothic-novel-expectations Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, David Moody talks about serialising fiction, embracing boredom, the long road to the Hater movie, and much more. [3:00] Kemberton elevator pitch and real-life inspiration. [11:20] Bullying, domestic violence, and the emotional impact of Kemberton. [23:25] A huge turning point in the book. [31:55] Beta-reader feedback. [38:20] Writing about the human condition. [42:10] Weoley Castle. [51:55] Nailing the ending. [1:03:05] Writing for enjoyment. [1:08:40] Final thoughts. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-670-david-moody-on-kemberton-weoley-castle-and-writing-about-the-human-condition Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror

In this podcast, David Moody talks about serialising fiction, embracing boredom, the long road to the Hater movie, and much more. [3:00] Conversation start. [4:50] Biggest changes in last year. [7:20] Hater film adaptation. [20:05] Dirty Day. [24:00] Money, happiness, writing, and having enough. [39:35] Embracing boredom and going offline. [47:00] Cinema etiquette. [1:00:05] Serialising Kemberton. Full podcast show notes are available here: https://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-669-david-moody-on-serialising-fiction-embracing-boredom-and-the-long-road-to-the-hater-movie Support This Is Horror Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishorror